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The 32nd APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting was held in Guangzhou on September 4. Under the theme "innovation-driven development for win-win cooperation", the Meeting brought together SME officials from APEC economies, representatives of the APEC Secretariat, and other guests. A Chair's Statement and a new initiative were among the key outcomes. Delegates welcomed the results and expressed interest in further cooperation among APEC economies.

Maman Abdurrahman, Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Republic of Indonesia "We know that when it comes to technology, China has many resources. I think it is good for us if we can bring the technology from China to Indonesia. We will study how Guangzhou can help establish this system in the Guangda market. And we will take the system and bring it to Indonesia. I think this is a very good opportunity for both the Chinese market and the Indonesian market."

APEC Executive Director Eduardo Pedrosa "Throughout all APEC discussions on small and medium enterprises, you will hear that they represent over 97% of all businesses in our region. They are the engines of innovation, the largest private sector employers, and the pillar of economic resilience."

Xiao Ruxin, Vice Chair, APEC SME Working Group "During the Meeting, SME colleagues actively discussed ways to promote access to technology, AI financing, and participation in international markets and global value chains. They also focused on capacity building resources for micro, small, and medium enterprises, and creating a favorable environment that enables micro SMEs and startups to become more competitive, specialized, and innovative."